Houston, TX — July 19, 2024, One person was injured following a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 1:15 A.M. on N. Sam Houston Pkwy.

An investigation is underway into a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 1:15 A.M. on Sam Houston Parkway that left one person injured. According to official reports, Joshua McWhorter was traveling in the eastbound lanes of N. Sam Houston Parkway when the rear of his bike was struck by a Nissan Altima which had just been involved in a collision.

The impact from the Altima caused McWhorter to be thrown from his motorcycle, and when first responders arrived on the scene they found that he had sustained serious injuries and transported him to the hospital for treatment. At this time the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident is still under investigation, and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle accident occurs, especially one involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries, it is critical to investigate thoroughly to uncover the exact sequence of events. In this case, where a motorcyclist was injured after being struck by a vehicle that had already been involved in another collision, there are three key questions that must be addressed to ensure a complete understanding of what happened.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Multi-vehicle accidents like this one require a careful examination of all contributing factors. Investigators must determine the circumstances of the initial collision involving the Nissan Altima, as well as how it led to the secondary impact with the motorcycle. Did law enforcement reconstruct the accident to establish the sequence of events? Were witness statements and any available surveillance or dashcam footage collected to provide additional context? A thorough investigation ensures all potential causes, such as road conditions, visibility, and driver actions, are considered.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? Both the Altima and the motorcycle should be inspected for mechanical issues that could have played a role. For example, did the Altima’s brakes or steering malfunction, contributing to the initial collision or the impact with the motorcycle? Similarly, was the motorcycle’s stability or braking ability compromised? Vehicle defects can sometimes go unnoticed without a detailed forensic examination, which is an essential step in understanding all contributing factors.

Finally, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The Altima’s electronic control module (ECM) could provide crucial insights into the driver’s actions before the collisions, such as braking, acceleration, or steering inputs. Likewise, nearby traffic cameras or other surveillance footage could help clarify how the series of events unfolded. On the motorcycle side, while bikes typically have less electronic data, any additional evidence, such as helmet cameras or witness recordings, could be invaluable in piecing together the full picture. Securing this data promptly is essential, as delays could result in the loss or degradation of important evidence.

Answering these three questions is vital not only for understanding this accident but also for ensuring accountability and identifying any broader safety concerns. For the injured motorcyclist, knowing the full story could provide clarity about the factors that contributed to their injuries and whether there were preventable elements involved. A complete investigation also helps to inform measures that might prevent similar incidents in the future, ultimately making our roads safer for everyone.